Grass. For most typical homes, it is what constitutes the yard, for the most part. And while grass looks nice enough when maintained, and quite aromatic when freshly cut, there is a flaw to the design - it keeps growing. That means it needs to be constantly maintained.

So I have a plan to at least reduce my (okay, my husband's) grass maintenance needs. That plan is this -- try to introduce as many non-grass things as I can into my yard. Just picture a nice remote patio area, with places to sit adorned by a selection from several nice wooden arbors. For every square inch of that patio, the grass maintenance requirements drop to zero. I really think I am on to something here.

Of course, standard arbors are not the only choice to dress up a non-grass area. You could use a fence to segment a bigger yard, and landscape several feet out from the fence with your favorite bushes and shrubs, along with lava rock hardscaping to keep that low-maintenance factor going. I love the look of arched new england arbors used as the passageway between yard segments, and it adds such a fantastic feel of whimsical.

Done right, my mission will not only cut down on our grass maintenance, but it will dress up our yard and make it a pleasure to be in. Who knows, if I keep this up my husband may trade in the riding lawnmower for a nice hot tub. And that would look great nestled in our grass-free back yard, surrounded by a wooden deck with a meandering rock path leading up to it. Yes, I'm making progress...